Transport climate control remote management

ABSTRACT

A method of remotely managing a transport climate control system (TCCS) includes a remote management device receiving performance data from the TCCS. The performance data based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control circuit. The method also including the remote management device providing the performance data to one or more user devices. A remote management system includes a remote management device configured to receive performance data for a climate control circuit from a climate controller of a TCCS and to provide the performance data to one or more user devices. A TCCS includes a controller configured to: generate performance data based on the one or more detected operating parameters of a climate control circuit, and transmit the performance data to a remote monitoring device. The climate controller also configured to receive an operating instruction from the remote monitoring device.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to transport climate control systems.More specifically, this disclosure relates to remote management of atransport climate control system.

BACKGROUND

A transport climate control system is generally used to controlenvironmental condition(s) (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality,and the like) within a climate controlled space of a transport unit(e.g., a truck, trailer, a container (such as a container on a flat car,an intermodal container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, orother similar transport unit). The transport climate control system caninclude, for example, a transport climate control system (“TCCS”). TheTCCS can control environmental condition(s) within the climatecontrolled space to maintain cargo (e.g., produce, frozen foods,pharmaceuticals, electronics, etc.). In some transport units, thetransport climate control system can be installed externally (e.g., on arooftop of the transport unit, under the transport unit, on a front wallof the transport unit, etc.).

The transport climate control system can include a climate controlcircuit with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and anevaporator. A working fluid can include, for example, a refrigerant thatcan be compressed and expanded as it flows through the climate controlcircuit and can be used to heat and/or cool the particular space.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein are directed to a transport climatecontrol system (“TCCS”), a remote management system for a TCCS, and amethod of remotely managing the TCCS.

In particular, the embodiments described herein can allow for remotelyviewing performance of a TCCS and managing the control settings of aTCCS.

A climate controlled transport units (“CCTU”) can have a climatecontrolled space that can be used for storing cargo or transportingpeople that is provided climate control (for controlling e.g.,temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) by a climate control circuit ofclimate control unit (“CCU”) of a CCTU. The climate control circuit canutilize a working fluid that includes refrigerant. The CCTU can employrefrigerant leak safety systems that reduce or stop operation of theclimate control circuit to mitigate leaking of the refrigerant. Thereduced or stopped operation of the climate control circuit can causedamage to cargo stored in the climate controlled space due to the TCCSno longer being able to providing sufficient conditioning to maintaindesired climate conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) withinthe climate controlled space. This can lead to the damage (e.g.,degradation, spoilage, loss, etc.) of valuable goods (e.g., high valuegoods, critical goods).

Disclosed embodiments are capable of operating the TCCS to remotely andselectively report performance of the TCCS to multiple parties (e.g.,manufacturer, servicer, dispatcher, etc.). Disclosed embodiments can,for example, remotely adjust operation of the TCCS based on the loadbeing transported. Disclosed embodiments can, for example, allow forremotely adjusting operation of the TCCS to override safetysettings/systems of the TCCS.

In an embodiment, a method of remotely managing a transport climatecontrol system (TCCS) of a climate controlled transport unit includes aremote management device receiving performance data for a climatecontrol circuit from a climate controller of the TCCS. The climatecontrol circuit is for conditioning a climate controlled space of theclimate controlled transport unit. The performance data is generated bythe climate controller based on one or more detected operatingparameters of the climate control circuit. The remote management deviceis remote from the climate controlled transport. The method alsoincludes providing, via the remote management device, the performancedata to a plurality of user devices.

In an embodiment, the remote management device includes a remote server.

In an embodiment, the method also includes comparing, with the remotemanagement device, the performance data for the climate control circuitto historical performance data for the climate control circuit. Themethod also includes generating a refrigerant leak warning based on thecomparison of the performance data and the historical performance data.

In an embodiment, the remote management device transmits the refrigerantleak warning to the climate controller via the telematics unit.

In an embodiment, the performance data includes one or more of:refrigerant superheat, refrigerant subcooling, a temperature of workingfluid in a climate control circuit, a pressure of the working fluid,status of an isolation valve in the climate control circuit, amperage toa compressor in the climate control circuit, a valve position of anexpansion valve in the climate control circuit, a status of arefrigerant leak safety system of the climate control circuit.

In an embodiment, the one or more operating parameters of the climatecontrol circuit include one or more of: a temperature of working fluidin a climate control circuit of the climate control circuit, a pressureof the working fluid, status of an isolation valve in the climatecontrol circuit, amperage to a compressor in the climate controlcircuit, and a valve position of an expansion valve in the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, the method includes the remote management devicetransmitting an operating instruction to the climate controller via thetelematics unit, the operating instruction modifying a predeterminedoperation setting of the climate controller for operating the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, the operation instruction causes the climatecontroller to override a predetermined operating limit for the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, the climate controller overrides the predeterminedoperating limit by adjusting or ignoring the predetermined operatinglimit.

In an embodiment, the operating instruction causes the climatecontroller to ignore a predetermined shutdown parameter for operating acompressor of the climate control circuit.

In an embodiment, the plurality of user devices includes a first userdevice. The method also including the first user device providingoperation input for the CCTU to the remote management device. Theoperation input causes the remote management device to transmit theoperating instruction.

In an embodiment, the operation input is cargo value information for theCCTU. The remote management device generates the operating instructionsbased on the goods information.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing the performance data in amemory of the climate controller. The plurality of user devices includesa first user device and a second user device. Providing the performancedata to the plurality of user devices includes: providing the first userdevice with the performance data stored on the remote management deviceat a first access level, and providing the second user device with theperformance data stored in the remote management device at a secondaccess level. The second access level limits access to the performancedata relative to the first access level.

In an embodiment, a remote management system is for a TCCS of a climatecontrolled transport unit. The TCCS includes a climate control circuitfor conditioning an internal space of the refrigerated transport unit.The remote management system includes a remote management deviceconfigured to receive performance data for the climate control circuitfrom a climate controller of the TCCS. The remote management device isconfigured to provide the performance data to a plurality of userdevices. The remote management device is remote from the climatecontrolled transport unit. The performance data is based on one or moredetected operating parameters of the climate control circuit.

In an embodiment, the remote management device is configured to transmitan operating instruction to the climate controller. The operatinginstruction causes the climate controller to modify a predeterminedoperation setting of the climate controller for operating the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, the operation instruction causes the climatecontroller to override a predetermined operating limit for the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, a transport climate control system for a climatecontrolled transport unit includes a climate control circuit and aclimate controller connected to a telematics unit. The climate controlcircuit configured to climate condition an internal space of therefrigerated transport unit. The climate controller configured to:control operation of the climate control circuit, detect one or moreoperating parameters of the climate control circuit, generateperformance data for the climate control circuit based on the one ormore operating parameters of the climate control circuit, and transmitperformance data to a remote monitoring device. The remote monitoringdevice is remote from the climate controlled transport unit. The climatecontroller is also configured to receive an operating instruction fromthe remote monitoring device. The operating instruction modifies apredetermined operation setting of the climate controller for operatingthe TCCS.

In an embodiment, the remote monitoring system includes a remote server.

In an embodiment, the performance data includes one or more of:refrigerant superheat, refrigerant subcooling, a temperature of workingfluid in a climate control circuit of the climate control circuit, apressure of the working fluid, status of an isolation valve in theclimate control circuit, amperage to a compressor in the climate controlcircuit, a valve position of an expansion valve in the climate controlcircuit, a status of a refrigerant leak safety system for the climatecontrol circuit.

In an embodiment, the operation instruction causes the climatecontroller to override a predetermined operating limit of the climatecontroller for operating the climate control circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Both described and other features, aspects, and advantages of transportclimate control systems, remote management systems for transport climatecontrol systems, and methods of remotely managing transport climatecontrol systems will be better understood with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a climate controller transport unitattached to a tractor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a remote management system for atransport climate control system.

FIG. 3 is a block flow diagram of a method of remotely managing atransport climate control system.

Like reference characters refer to similar features

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are generally directed to a transportclimate control system (“TCCS”), a remote management system for a TCCS,and a method of remotely managing a TCCS.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what isclaimed, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized without departing form the spirit and the scope of the claims.The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings,therefore, are not to be taken in a finite sense.

Different types of goods/cargo may need to be stored at specificenvironmental condition(s) while being stored within a transport unit.For example, perishable goods may need to be stored within a specifictemperature range to prevent spoilage and liquid goods may need to bekept at a temperature above their freezing point. Also, goods havingelectronic components may need to be kept in environmental conditionswith a lower moisture content and/or a specific temperature range toavoid damage to their electronic components. A transport climate controlsystem may blow conditioned air into the climate controlled space of thetransport unit to keep the air within the climate controlled space atthe desired environmental conditions.

A TCCS can include a climate control circuit with a working fluid thatcan include a refrigerant. The climate control circuit has a compressorto compress the working fluid and an expansion valve to expand theworking fluid. An evaporator in the climate control circuit can be usedto cool air with the expanded working fluid provide cooled air to theclaim controlled space of the transport unit. The refrigerant can beflammable. If a refrigerant leak occurs it can cause the surroundingenvironment to become dangerous (e.g., leaking flammable refrigerantmaking the surrounding environment flammable). The TCCS can employsafety systems that change operation of the climate control circuit whena leak is detected. Such changes can include operating the climatecontrol circuit at a lower performance or shutting down the climatecontrol circuit. The lowered performance and shutdown can result in, forexample, the TCCS being unable keep the climate controlled space at itsdesired climate and damage to the goods being transported within theclimate control spaced.

The embodiments described herein are generally directed to remotelymanaging the TCCS including the CCU. For example, a remote managementdevice can be used to remotely manage the TCCS. The remote managementdevice can provide performance information to one or more relevantparties (e.g., manufacturer, servicer, dispatcher, etc.). The remotemanagement device can be configured to detect a refrigerant leak basedon historical performance data (e.g., previous performance, previoustesting on a similarly configured CCU, performance of other similarlyconfigured CCUs, etc.). The remote management device can be used toadjust operating setting(s) of the TCCS based on, for example, the goodsbeing transported. For example, the remote management device canoverride the safety settings of the TCCS. This can advantageously allowthe TCCS to operate in a potentially damaging/dangerous manner thatprevents damage to valuable goods being transported in the transportunit.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit1 attached to a tractor 5. The climate controlled transport unit 1includes a transport unit 10 and a transport climate control system(“TCCS”) 20 for the transport unit 10. Dashed lines are used in FIG. 1to illustrate features that would not be visible in the view shown. Thetransport unit 10 may be attached to the tractor 5 that is configured totow the transport unit 10 to and from different locations. When notbeing transported, the transport unit 10 may be parked and unattachedfrom the tractor 5. It will be appreciated that the embodimentsdescribed herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but canapply to any type of transport unit such as a container (e.g., acontainer on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a boxcar, a commercial passenger vehicle (e.g., school bus, railway car,subway car, etc.), or other similar transport unit.

The TCCS 20 includes a climate control unit (“CCU”) 30 that providesenvironmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.)within a climate controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10. Theclimate controlled space 12 is an internal space of the transport unit10. The CCU 30 provides conditioned air into the climate controlledspace 12 of the transport unit 10 to provide a desired conditionedenvironment for the goods being held within the climate controlled space12 of the transport unit 10. The desired conditioned environment for theclimate controlled space 12 can have one or more desired environmentalconditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.). Forexample, the CCU 30 may provide cooled air to the climate controlledspace 12 when perishable goods are being kept within the transport unit10. In another example, the CCU 30 may dehumidify the air within theclimate controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10 when electronicsare within the transport unit 10. The CCU 30 includes a climate controlcircuit (e.g., see FIG. 2, etc.) for providing conditioned air to theclimate controlled space 12.

The CCU 30 is disposed on a front wall 14 of the transport unit 10. Inother embodiments, it will be appreciated that the CCU 30 can bedisposed, for example, on a roof 14 or another wall of the transportunit 10. The climate controlled transport unit 1 can include a battery(not shown), an internal combustion engine (not shown), or a both as apower source.

The TCCS 20 also includes a programmable climate controller 40 and oneor more sensors 50. The sensor(s) 50 are configured to measure one ormore parameters of the climate controlled transport unit 1 (e.g., anambient temperature and/or ambient humidity outside of the transportunit 10, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure,a temperature of air supplied into the climate controlled space 12 bythe CCU 30, a temperature of air returning from the climate controlledspace 12 to the CCU 30, a humidity within the climate controlled space12, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 40.The climate controller 40 is configured to control operation of the TCCS20 including components of the climate control circuit. The climatecontroller 40 may be a single integrated control unit 42 or a controlunit formed by a distributed network of climate controller elements 42,44. The number of distributed control elements in a given network candepend upon the particular application of the principles describedherein.

The climate controller 40 is connected to a telematics unit 60 (e.g.,see FIG. 2). The telematics unit 60 allows the climate controller 114 towirelessly communicate with a remote device (not shown) (e.g., a remotecomputer, a server, a server network, etc.). In the illustratedembodiment, the telematics unit 60 is separate from the climatecontroller 40 in the transport unit 10. In one embodiment, thetelematics unit 60 may be part of the climate controller 40. In anotherembodiment, the telematics unit 40 may be provided on and/or in tractor5.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a remote management system 100 for aclimate controlled transport unit. The remote management system 100 isfor a TCCS 110 that includes a CCU 130 with a climate control circuit132. The CCU 130 can be utilized in a climate controlled transport unit(e.g., the refrigerated transport unit 1 of FIG. 1, etc.) to climatecontrol an interior space of the transport unit (e.g., the interiorspace 12 of the transport unit 10). For example, the CCU 130 can utilizeits climate control circuit 132 to provide cooling to the interior spaceof the transport unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the remote management system 100 includes a remotemanagement device 180 and a plurality of remote user devices 190A, 190B,190C. The remote management device 180 is an electronic device remote(e.g., provided at a different location) from the refrigerated transportunit (e.g., a remote computer, a server, a server network, etc.). In anembodiment, the remote management device 180 includes a remote server.In an embodiment, the remote management device 180 and remote userdevices 190A, 190B, 190C are discussed in more detail below.

The CCU 130 includes a climate control circuit 132 for providing climatecontrol within a climate controlled space of a climate controlledtransport unit. A working fluid flows through the climate controlcircuit 132. The working fluid includes refrigerant. In an embodiment,the working fluid includes a flammable refrigerant (e.g., refrigerantsclassified as A2 refrigerants or A2L refrigerants under ASHRAE Standard34 (e.g., ASHRAE 34-2019)). The climate control circuit 132 includes acompressor 134, a condenser 136, an expansion valve 140, and anevaporator 142. The components of the climate control circuit 132 arefluidly connected to form the climate control circuit 132. The expansionvalve 140 can be an electronic expansion valve that is operated by anelectric motor (not shown). In an embodiment, the expansion valve 140may be an electronic expansion and isolation valve utilized in a chargeisolation system of the CCU 130. In an embodiment, the climate controlcircuit 132 can be modified to include additional components, such as,for example, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s), a receivertank, an economizer, a distributor, an accumulator tank, an overflowtank, a filter drier, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the CCU 130 can include a condenser unit 144 and anevaporator unit 146 that occupy separate volumes within the CCU 130. Thecondenser unit 144 and the evaporator unit 146 can be separated by aninternal bulkhead 148 of the CCU 130. The climate control circuit 132extends through the bulkhead 148 and has components disposed in thecondenser unit 144 and components disposed in the evaporator unit 146.For example, the condenser 136 is a heat exchanger disposed in thecondenser unit 144 and the evaporator 142 is a heat exchanger disposedin the evaporator unit 146.

Ambient air from the external environment (e.g., ambient air fromoutside the climate controlled transport unit 1 in FIG. 1) is directedthrough the condenser unit 144 by entering through an ambient air inlet145-1 and exiting through the ambient air outlet 145-2 in the condenserunit 144. The ambient air can provide ambient cooling to at least thecondenser 136. The ambient air, as it flows across the condenser 136,cools the compressed working fluid separately flowing through thecondenser 136.

Air is directed through the evaporator unit 146 by entering through anevaporator air inlet 147-1 and exiting through an evaporator air outlet147-2 in the evaporator unit 146. In particular, air from the climatecontrolled space (e.g., the interior space 12 of the transport unit 10in FIG. 1, etc.) enters the evaporator unit 146 through the air inlet147-1, the air is conditioned within the evaporator unit 146 (e.g.,heated, cooled, etc.), and the conditioned air is discharged from theevaporator unit 146 through the evaporator air outlet 147-2. Forexample, the air as it flows across the evaporator 142 is cooled by thecolder expanded working fluid separately flowing through the evaporator142.

The CCU 130 can also include one or more fans configured to direct airthrough one or more of the condenser unit 144, the evaporator unit 146,an internal space of the CCU 130, and/or from or to the internal spaceof the transport unit (e.g., internal space 12 in FIG. 1, etc.). Theevaporator unit 146 can include evaporator fan(s) 150 that increases airflow through the evaporator unit 146 and into, for example, the internalspace of the transport unit. The condenser unit 144 can includecondenser fan(s) 152 that increases air flow through condenser unit 144and into, for example, the ambient environment outside of the transportunit.

Operation of the CCU 130 and the climate control circuit 132 iscontrolled by a programmable climate controller 114. The climatecontroller 114 is configured to control operation of the CCU 130 and itscomponents. In an embodiment, the climate controller 114 is a climatecontroller of a transport climate controller system (e.g., the climatecontroller 40 of the TCCS 20 in FIG. 1). For example, the climatecontroller 114 can be configured to control operation of the compressor132 (e.g., control a speed of the compressor, etc.), to controloperation of the electronic expansion valve 140 (e.g., operate the motorfor the electric expansion valve 140 to adjust the valve position andcontrol superheat to be within a predetermined range, etc.), etc. Forexample, the climate controller 114 can be configured to control airflowthrough the CCU 130 to discharge a desired amount of the conditioned airfrom the CCU 130. The climate controller 114 can be configured tocontrol operation of fans 150, 152 and/or damper(s) (not shown) to havethe desired amount of airflow through the condenser unit 144 and theevaporator unit 146.

The climate controller 114 is configured to operate fans 150, 152 of theCCU to control the flow of air through the CCU 130. The TCCS 110 caninclude an air management system for preventing pooling of leakedrefrigerant within the CCU 130. The air management system can beimplemented by the climate controller 114. In an embodiment, the climatecontroller 114 is configured to activate one or more fan(s) of the CCU130 (e.g., evaporator fan 150, condenser fan 152, etc.) to mitigatepooling of leaked refrigerant within the CCU 130. For example, theclimate controller 114 may be configured to periodically active thefan(s) to ventilate any dilute any leaked refrigerant from within theCCU 130 and to active the fan(s) when a refrigerant leak is detected.The air management system of the TCCS can have, for example, a normalstatus and an active leak mitigation status. In its normal status, thefan(s) and/or dampener(s) of the CCU 130 (e.g., evaporator fan 150,condenser fan 152, etc.) operate based on the conditioning to beprovided to the climate controlled space. For example, the fan(s) and/ordampener(s) of the CCU 130 direct ambient air to provide sufficientcooling of the condenser 136 and to discharge conditioned air from theevaporator unit 146 at the desired temperature. In active leakmitigation status, the climate controller is configured to active thefan(s) and/or dampener(s) of the CCU 130 to ventilate the CCU 130 andprevent pooling of any leaked refrigerant within the CCU 130. Forexample, the active leak mitigation status can active due to a periodicactivation that is used to dilute any potentially pooled refrigerant orin response to a detected refrigerant leak. For example, U.S.application Ser. No. 16/917,351 describes example embodiments of an airmanagement system.

The climate control circuit 132 includes a high pressure side disposedin the condenser unit 144. The TCCS 110 can include a charge isolationsystem that is configured to reduce refrigerant leakage into theenclosed climate controlled space (e.g., the interior space 12 of thetransport unit 10). The charge isolation system can be implemented bythe climate controller 114. In an embodiment, the charge isolationsystem detects for a leak in the climate control circuit 132. When aleak is detected, the climate controller 114 is configured to isolate atleast the high pressure side within the climate control circuit 132. Forexample, the climate controller 114 closes the electronic expansionvalve 140 and shuts down the compressor 134 to isolate the high pressureside. For example, this limits the amount of refrigerant that can leakinto the condenser unit 144 and then into the enclosed climatecontrolled space through the condenser unit 144. The charge isolationsystem can have, for example, a normal status and active isolationstatus. Its normal status can include monitoring of the climate controlcircuit for a leak in the climate control circuit. In active isolationstatus, the climate controller 114 isolates at least a high pressureside of the climate control circuit 132 (e.g., operates the electronicexpansion valve 140 to a sealed closed position and shuts down thecompressor 120, an isolation valve is closed, etc.). For example, U.S.application Ser. No. 16/917,365 describes example embodiments of acharge isolation system.

In an embodiment, the compressor 134 is a sealed compressor, such as ahermitic or semi-hermitic compressor, that includes a sealed electricalfeedthrough 133 for providing electrical power to the electric motor(not shown) disposed inside the sealed compressor 134. The TCCS 110includes a power source 156 (e.g., an engine and power generator,battery, etc.) that supplies the electrical power to the compressor 134.The CCU 130 can include a sealed compressor protection system forprotecting against melting and blowout of the electrical feedthrough133. The sealed compressor protection system can be implemented by theclimate controller 114. In an embodiment, climate controller 114determines whether the sealed compressor is operating in a conditionthat can cause melting of the electrical feedthrough 113 of the sealedcompressor 134. The climate controller 114 can be configured to utilizespressure sensor 116E to detect an internal pressure P₃ of the compressor134 along the inside of the electrical feedthrough 133 and/or currentsensor 116I to detect an amperage I₁ being supplied to the through theelectrical feedthrough 133. The climate controller 114 may determinewhether the compressor is operating in a condition that can causemelting of the electrical feedthrough 113 based on the detected amperageI₁ and/or the detected pressure P₃. The status of the charge protectionsystem of the CCU 130 can be, for example, a normal status and activeadjustment status. In the normal status, the climate controller 114 isdetecting for whether the sealed electrical feedthrough 133 is beingoperated in a condition that can cause melting of the sealed electricalfeedthrough 133, and no adjustments are being made to normal operationof the climate control circuit 132 to avoid melting conditions of theelectrical feedthrough 133. In the activated active adjustment status,the climate controller 114 is adjusting operation of the CCU 130 suchthat the sealed electrical feedthrough 133 is no longer operating in theconditions that can cause melting of the sealed electrical feedthrough133. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/917,374 describes exampleembodiments of a sealed compressor protection system.

The climate controller 114 is configured to detect various operatingparameters of the CCU 130. In particular, the climate controller 114 isconfigured to detect one or more operating parameters of the climatecontrol circuit 132. For example, the climate controller 114 utilizesone or more sensor(s) of the TCCS 110 (e.g.; sensors 50 in FIG. 1;temperature sensors 116A-166D, pressure sensors 116E-116G, electricalcurrent sensor 116I, valve position sensor 116H, etc.) for detecting oneor more operating parameters of the CCU 130. In an embodiment, theclimate controller 114 includes memory 115-1 for storing information anda processor 115-2. The climate control circuit 114 can store detectedoperating parameters of the climate control circuit in its memory. Theclimate controller 114 is shown in FIG. 2 as a single integrated controlunit. However, it will be appreciated that the climate controller 114 inan embodiment may a single integrated control unit or a distributednetwork of climate controller elements (e.g., distributed network ofclimate controller elements 42, 44 in FIG. 1, etc.).

Operating parameters are parameters of the CCU 130 and its componentsthat can vary over time with operation and the performance of the CCU130 (e.g., amount of conditioning being provided by the CCU 130,refrigerant charge in the climate control circuit 132, ambient airtemperature, speed of the compressor 134, etc.). Operating parameters ofthe CCU can include measurements of, for example but not limited to,temperatures (e.g., working fluid temperature, air temperature, etc.)voltages, electric currents, flow rates (e.g., air flow rate, workingfluid flow rate, etc.), a valve position, etc. in the CCU 130. Theoperating parameters may be detected directly with sensors or indirectlybased on a different detected operating parameter (e.g., a dischargepressure of the compressor 134 determined based on the suction pressureand the speed of the compressor 134, etc. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, the CCU 130 can include one or more temperature sensor(s)116A, 116B for detecting temperature(s) T₁, T₂ of the working fluid inthe climate control circuit 132, temperature sensor(s) 116C, 116D fordetecting air temperatures T₃, T₄, pressure sensors 116F-G for detectingpressure(s) P₁, P₂, P₃ of the working fluid in the climate controlcircuit 132, position sensor 116H for detecting the valve position POSof the electronic expansion valve 140, and/or current sensor 116I fordetecting the amperage I₁ of the electrical power supplied to thecompressor 134. Temperature sensor 116A and pressure sensor 116Frespectively detect the temperature T₁ and the pressure P₁ of theworking fluid entering the expansion valve 140. Temperature sensor 116Band pressure sensor respectively detect the temperature T₂ and thepressure P₂ of the working fluid discharged from the expansion valve140. Pressure sensor 116E detects the suction pressure P₃ of thecompressor 134. Temperature sensor 116C detects the return airtemperature T₃. Temperature sensor 116D detects the outlet airtemperature T₄ of the CCU 130 (e.g., temperature of the air after beingcooled by the climate control circuit 132, etc.). Electrical currentsensor 116I detects the amperage I₁ of the electrical current suppliedto the compressor 134. In other embodiments, the TCCS 110 and the CCU130 may include a different number and/or configuration of sensor(s)than the sensors 116A-I in FIG. 2. For example, the TCCS 110 in anembodiment may include a temperature disposed in the climate controlledspace (e.g., sensor 50 in climate controlled space 12 in FIG. 1, etc.).In an embodiment, the TCCS 110 may have utilize multiple sensors toconfirm a single temperature (e.g., multiple sensors for detecting atemperature of the climate controlled space 12 in FIG. 1). In anembodiment, the climate controlled space of the transport unit (e.g.,climate controlled space 12 in FIG. 1, etc.) may have multipletemperature zones, and the TCCS 110 may include one or more temperaturesensor(s) for detecting the temperature of each temperature zone.

The climate controller 114 operates the TCCS 110, including its CCU 130,according to operation settings stored in the memory 115-1 of theclimate controller 114. The operation settings can include, for example,the desired temperature or temperature range for the conditioned spaceof the CCTU (e.g., desired temperature for goods transported in theclimate controlled space 12 of the CCTU 1 in FIG. 1, etc.), a desiredsuperheat limit or range for the working fluid, etc. The climatecontroller 114 operates the CCU 110 to provide conditioned air (e.g.,cooled air, heated air, etc.) such that the conditioned space remainswithin the desired temperature range. The operating settings can includeprotocols for implementing the refrigerant leak protection system(s) forthe CCU 130 (e.g., the sealed compressor protection system, the chargeisolation system, etc.). In particular, the operating settings of theclimate controller 114 can include the operating limit(s) at which theprotection systems are become active (e.g., go from normal status toactivated status, etc.). A protection system becomes activate whenoperation of the CCU 130 passes an operating limit of the protectionsystem (e.g., an operating parameter of the CCU exceeds a predeterminedminimum threshold, an operating parameter of the CCU becomes less than apredetermined threshold, etc.). The operating limit(s) for theprotection systems are stored in the memory 115-1 of the climatecontroller 114.

For example, operating limit(s) of the sealed compressor protectionsystem can include a predetermined amperage draw limit for the sealedelectrical feedthrough 133 and/or a predetermined suction pressurethreshold. The sealed compressor protection system can become activewhen the compressor amperage I₁ exceeds the predetermined amperage drawlimit or when the suction pressure P₃ falls below the predeterminedsuction pressure threshold. For example, activation parameter(s) of thecharge isolation system can include a predetermined threshold forcomparing expected and actual performance of the climate control circuit132 (e.g., a predetermined step amount for comparing expected and actualposition of the expansion valve 140, predetermined limit for trend invariance of the expected and the actual positions of the electronicexpansion valve 140, a predetermined temperature amount for comparingexpected and actual temperature of the working fluid, etc.). The chargeisolation system can become active when the difference between anexpected performance/parameter and the actual performance/parameter ofthe CCU (e.g., temperature T₂, valve position POS, etc.) exceeds apredetermined temperature threshold or limit.

In an embodiment, the climate controller 114 may determine whether aleak exists based on the valve positon POS of the electric expansionvalve 140 and refrigerant superheat. The climate controller 114 mayutilize position sensor 116H to detect the valve position POS of theelectronic expansion valve 140 (e.g., the specific degree that theelectronic expansion valve 140 is open). For example, the positionsensor 116H may detect a step positon of a stepper motor (not shown)that drives the electronic expansion valve 140, and as the step positionvaries correspondingly with valve position POS, the climate controllermay use the step position for the valve position POS. The climatecontroller 130 can utilize temperature sensor 116B and pressure sensor116G to detect the pressure P₂ and temperature T₂ of the working fluiddischarged from the expansion valve 140 to determine refrigerantsuperheat. A leak can be detected by comparing an expected superheatbased on the detected valve position or an expected valve positon basedon the detected superheat to their actual detected measurement.

The climate controller 114 is configured to generate performance datafor the CCU 130 based on the detected operating parameters. Inparticular, the performance data is for the climate control circuit 132of the CCU 130 The performance data includes detected operatingparameter(s) and/or performance information for climate control circuit132 based on the detected operating parameter(s). In an embodiment, theperformance data includes at least one or more of the detected operatingparameter(s) of the CCU 130. The performance information for the CCU 130is based on the detected operating parameter(s). For example, theperformance data can include refrigerant superheat, refrigerantsubcooling, the status of the charge isolation system, the status of anair management system, the status of the sealed compressor protectionsystem, etc. In an embodiment, performance data includes one or more ofrefrigerant superheat, detected working fluid temperature (e.g.,temperature T₁, temperature T₂, etc.), detected working fluid pressure(e.g., pressure P₁, pressure P₂, pressure P₃, etc.), detected airtemperature (e.g., temperature T₃, temperature T₄), detected electricalamperage (e.g., compressor power supplied amperage I₁, etc.), detectedexpansion valve position (e.g., valve position POS, etc.), a protectionsystem status for the CCU (e.g., status of air management system, statusof compression protection system, status of charge isolation system,etc.).

The climate controller 114 is connected to the telematics unit 112 andis able to utilize the telematics unit 112 to communicate with theremote management device 180. The climate controller 114 can utilize thetelematics unit 112 to wirelessly communicate with the remote managementdevice 180 (e.g., while parked, during transport, in storage, etc.). Insome embodiments, while parked, the telematics unit 112 may be pluggedinto a local network (e.g., local power facility, a pick-up facility, adrop-off facility, etc.) that can allow the climate controller 114 tocommunicate with the remote management device 180 via a physical wiredconnection and/or a standby power line communication. The climatecontroller 114 is configured to wirelessly transmit the performance data182 to the remote management device 180. The remote management device180 includes a memory 181-1 for storing data (e.g., the performance data182, etc.) and a processor 181-2. In an embodiment, the remotemanagement device 180 can be part of a cloud based computing system. Forexample, the remote management device 180 formed by one or more cloudserver(s) (e.g., a remote server that accesses a cloud database, etc.).Processor 181-2 of the remote management device 181 can be formed by acloud processing server that accesses the memory 181-1 formed in clouddata server (e.g., remote management device is a server that accesses acloud database). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, theclimate controller 114 can communicate, via for example the telematicsunit 112, with a local network server (not shown) or a dedicated serverfor the fleet of CCTUs.

The remote management device 180 stores the performance data 182received from the TCCS 110. In an embodiment, the remote managementdevice 180 may communicate with a plurality of the TCCS(s). For example,the remote management device 180 can be used for managing a fleet ofCCTUs (e.g., the CCTU 1 in FIG. 1, etc.) that each have a respectiveTCCS. Each of the CCTUs can be configured to wirelessly reportperformance data as similarly discussed above for the TCCS in FIG. 2.The remote management device 180 can store the performance data for theTCCs in its memory. In an embodiment, the remote management device 180may be configured average the performance data for each type of TCCS(e.g., model, configuration of TCCS, etc.) and store the averageperformance for each type of TCCS in its memory.

The remote management device 180 can be configured to analyze theperformance data 182. For example, the remote management device 180compares the performance data 182 to historical performance data for theTCCS 110. The historical performance data can be stored in the memory181-1 of the remote management device 180. For example, the historicalperformance data may be performance data previously received from theTCCS 110, testing data for the TCCS 110 (e.g., testing data for amodel/configuration of the TCCS 110, etc.), performance data for othercomparable TCCS (e.g., performance data received from other TCCS(s) thathave a similar configuration to the TCCS 110, average performance datafor TCCS(s) with a similar model/configuration to the TCCS 110, etc.).In an embodiment, the performance data 182 may be analyzed to detect fora refrigerant leak in the climate control circuit 132. For example, arefrigerant leak decreases a charge of the refrigerant and can affectthe amount of climate control provided by the CCU in a particularconfiguration.

In an embodiment, the remote management device 180 is configured towirelessly transmit an operation instruction 184 to climate controller114 via the telematics unit 112. The operation instruction 184 modifiesone or more predetermined operation settings for the climate controller114 to operate the TCCS 110. The operation instruction 184 causes theclimate controller 114 to modify one or more operation settings storedin its memory 115-1. For example, the operation instruction 184 cancause the processor 115-2 to modify operation setting(s) stored in thememory 115-1 for operating the climate control circuit 132. Theoperation instruction 184 can cause the climate controller 114 tooverride one or more of its operation settings for operating the CCU.The operation instruction 184 can cause the climate controller 114 tooverride one or more of the predetermined operating limits stored in thememory 115-1. For example, the climate controller 114 may be configuredto override a predetermined operating limit by adjusting thepredetermined operating limit (e.g., increasing the value of anoperating limit that is a maximum threshold or limit, decreasing thevalue of an operating limit that is a minimum threshold or limit, etc.)or by ignoring the operating limit. This modification allows the CCU 130to operate in unsafe conditions.

The remote management device 180 is configured to communicate with(e.g., wired connection, wireless connection, etc.) one or more userdevices 190A-190C. A user device 190A, 190B, 190C is an electronicdevice (e.g., a computer, tablet, cellphone, etc.) that allows for auser to access the remote management device 180. In an embodiment, theuser device 190A and remote management device 180 are in the form of acomputer used by a user to access a cloud-based server. Users caninclude, for example, an engineer/manufacture of the TCCS 130, aservicer of the TCCS 130, and/or a dispatcher of the CCTU (e.g., theCCTU in FIG. 1, etc.). The dispatcher of the CCTU may also be referredto as a dispatcher. For example, the remote management device isconfigured to communicate with a first user device 190A that is for anengineer/manufacturer of the TCCS 130, a second user device 190B that isa technician that services the TCCS 130, and a third user device 190C isa dispatcher is directing operation of the CCTU to transport goods.

In an embodiment, the operation instruction 184 is transmitted based onoperation input from the first user device 190A. For example, theoperation input can be a request from the first user device 190A for themodification of operating settings of the CCU 130 (e.g., a dispatcher'srequest to override the operating limits of the CCU, a dispatcher'srequest to disable the operating limits of the CCU). For example, theoperation input can be cargo value information for the CCTU. Cargo valueinformation describes value(s) for the goods transported by the CCTU(e.g., price of the goods, delivery criticality, etc.) In an embodiment,user device 190C provides cargo value information to the remotemanagement device 180, and the remote management device 180 determineswhether to transmit the operation instruction 184 based on the cargovalue information. The remote management device 180 transmits theoperation instruction 184 that overrides the operating limit(s) when thevalue of the cargo is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., price ofthe cargo is greater than a predetermined price, delivery criticality isabove a predetermined limit, etc.).

In some situations, the TCCS may be transporting higher value cargo(e.g., goods with a higher price, goods with a critical delivery need)that are temperature sensitive. In such situations, potentially damagingoperation (e.g., operating with a flammable refrigerant leak, operatingwith a higher risk of damaging the components of the CCU, etc.) isoutweighed by the potential of damaging the goods. For example,predetermined operational limits are put in place to prevent theequipment of the TCCS from operating in a manner that will likely leadto damaging equipment of the TCCS. The remote management system 100 canadvantageously allow the dispatcher of the CCTU to remotely override thenormal protection limits of the CCU to reduce the risk of damaging thecostly or critical value goods while being transported in the CCTU. Insome embodiments, the dispatcher provides the value information to theremote management system 100 (e.g., price of the goods, criticality ofthe goods, bill of lading, etc.) and the remote management system 100can be configured to advantageously automatically override the normalprotection limits when appropriate (e.g., the goods are more expensive,the goods are a critical delivery, etc.).

The remote management device 180 can provide the user device(s) 190A,190B, 190C with the data of the remote management device 180 (e.g., thedata stored in the memory 181-1 of the remote management device 180,etc.). In an embodiment, the remote management device 180 can beconfigured to provide different access to the user device(s) 190A, 190B,190C based on an access level designated for the user. That is, theremote management device 180 can have a plurality of access levels foraccessing the remote management device 180. The remote management device180 can provide access to each user device 190A, 190B, 190C based on theaccess level of the user device 190A, 190B, 190C. The remote managementdevice 180 can be configured to provide all or some of the performancedata for the TCCS 110 to each user device 190A, 190B, 190C differentlybased on the access level of the user device 190A, 190B, 190C.

In an embodiment, the remote management system can include a firstaccess level, a second access level, and a third access level. Forexample, the remote management device 180 can have a first access levelfor engineer user device(s) (e.g., first user device 190A, etc.), asecond access level for technician user device(s) (e.g., second userdevice 190B, etc.), and a third access level for dispatcher userdevice(s) (e.g., third user device 190C, etc.). Accordingly, the remotemanagement device 180 can provide the first user device 190A withengineer level access (e.g., allows access at the first access level tothe data for the TCCS 110 stored in the remote management device 180),can provide the second user device 190B with technician level access(e.g., allows access at the second access level to the data stored inthe remote management device 180), and can provide the third user device190C with dispatcher level access (e.g., allows access at the thirdaccess level to the data stored in the remote management device 180).

The first access level can be a highest level of access (e.g., providesthe most access to the data stored in the remote management device 180).The first access level can allow for full access of the remotemanagement device 180 (e.g., access to all of the data stored in theremote management device 180). The second access level can allow accessto the performance data for the CCU 130 that is stored in the remotemanagement device 180. The third access level can allow the user device190C to remotely modify the operation parameter(s) of the CCU 130 asdiscussed above (e.g., provide a request or value information thatcauses the remote management device 180 to instruct the climatecontroller 114 to override the operating limits for operating the CCU130). The remote management system 100 can be configured to only providedata to a servicer's user device 190B that relates to servicing of theTCCS 110 and only provide data to the dispatcher's user device 190A thatrelates to the overall operation of CCU 130.

In an embodiment, the first access level can have full access to theremote management device 180, while the second access level and thethird access level can have limited access to the remote managementdevice 180. For example, the second access level may not permit remotemodification of the operation settings of the climate controller 114.The servicer may not be allowed to utilize the remote modification ofremote management device 180 (e.g., the servicer allowed performancedata access but not the access for making remote modifications). Forexample, the third access level may have limited access to theperformance data, such as only permitting access to the stored data forthe overall performance of the CCU (e.g., climate controlled spaceinternal temperature, return air temperature T₃, conditioned airdischarged temperature T₄, ambient air temperature, compressor speed,battery level, etc.).

The illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2 includes three remote user devices190A-190C. It should be appreciated that the remote management device180 in an embodiment may utilize a different number of remote userdevices. In an embodiment, the remote management device 180 may utilizetwo or more user devices. In an embodiment, the remote management device180 may utilize more than three user devices. In such embodiments, theremote management device 180 may have an access level for each userdevice (e.g., an access level for each type of user/user device, etc.).For example, the remote management device 180 in various embodiments mayhave two access levels or more than three access levels.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for a method 1000 of remotely managing a TCCS. Inan embodiment, the method 1000 may be employed, for example, to remotelymanage the TCCS 20 of the CCTU 1 in FIG. 1 (e.g., employed by theclimate controller 40, etc.) and as described above. In an embodiment,the method 1000 may be employed, for example, by the remote managementsystem 100 in FIG. 2. For example, the remote management device 180, theuser devices 190A-190C, and the climate controller 114 of the remotemanagement system 100 may employ the method 1000. The method 1000 startsat 1010.

At 1010, a climate controller of the TCCS (e.g., climate controller 40,climate controller 114) operates a CCU (e.g., CCU 30, CCU 130) tocondition a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled space12). In an embodiment, the climate controlled space is the climatecontrolled space of a transport unit (e.g., climate controlled space 12of the transport unit 10). The CCU includes a climate control circuit(e.g., climate control circuit 132) for providing cooling to the climatecontrolled space. The CCU can also include one or more fan(s) (e.g.,evaporator fan 150, condenser fan 152) for directing air through theCCU. Operating the CCU 1010 can include operating the climate controlcircuit 1012 and operating the fan(s) 1014. The climate controlledcircuit includes a compressor (e.g., compressor 134), a condenser (e.g.,condenser 136), an expansion valve (e.g., expansion valve 140), and anevaporator (e.g., evaporator 142).

Operating the CCU 1010 can also include detecting operating parameter(s)of the CCU 1060 (e.g., working fluid temperature T₁, working fluidtemperature T₂, ambient air temperature T₃, discharged conditioned airtemperature T₄, working fluid pressure P₁, working fluid pressure P₂,compressor suction pressure P₃, valve position POS, amperage I₁). Forexample, the climate controller utilizes one or more sensors of the TCCS(e.g., sensor(s) 50, sensors 116A-116I, etc.) to detect the operatingparameter(s) of the CCU.

In an embodiment, the expansion valve of the climate control circuit canbe an electronic expansion valve. In such an embodiment, operating theclimate control circuit 1012 can include, for example, the climatecontroller determining superheat of the working fluid based on thedetected operating parameters, and operating the electronic expansionvalve based on the determined superheat of the working fluid. The method1000 than proceeds from 1010 to 1020.

At 1020, the climate controller generates performance data for the CCU.The performance data can include one or more of the operating parametersdetected at 1016. Generating the performance data 1020 can includedetermining one or more operating parameters of the CCU based on thedetected operating parameters 1022. For example, the determiningoperating parameter(s) at 1022 can include determining refrigerantsuperheat based on a working fluid pressure and temperature detected at1016 (e.g., temperature T₂ and pressure P₂) and/or determiningrefrigerant subcooling based on a working fluid pressure and temperaturedetected at 1016 (e.g., temperature T₁, pressure P₁). For example,determining operating parameter(s) at 1022 can be detecting an operatingcondition indirectly (e.g., determining discharge pressure of thecompressor 134 based on a detected suction pressure P₃ and a speed ofthe compressor, etc.). The climate controller generating the performancedata 1020 can include storing the detected performance conditions in amemory of the climate controller (e.g., memory 115-1). The method 1000then proceeds to 1030.

At 1030, the climate controller transmits the performance data (e.g.,performance data 182) to a remote management device (e.g., remotemanagement device 180). The performance data is transmitted via atelematics unit of the CCTU (e.g., telematics unit 1020). The telematicsunit may be part of the climate controller or a separate deviceconnected to the climate controller. The remote management device beingat a remotely located from the CCTU. The method then proceeds to 1040.

At 1040, the remote management device can analyze the performance dataof the CCU. The analysis can include comparing the performance data withhistorical performance data stored in the remote management device at1042. For example, the historical performance data can be stored in amemory of the remote management device (e.g., memory 181-1 of the remotemanagement device 180). As discussed above, the memory 181-1 can beformed by a cloud server. The historical data may be stored in a clouddatabase (e.g., the memory being a cloud data server). The analysis 1040can also include the remote management device generating a refrigerantleak warning for the TCCS at 1044. For example, the remote managementdevice transmits the refrigerant leak warning to the climate controllervia the telematics unit. The remote management device determines whetherto generate the leak warning at 1044 based on the comparison of theperformance data and the historical performance data.

The analysis of the performance data at 1040 (including 1042 and 1044)can be optional. The remote management device in some embodiments maynot perform the analysis at 1040. In such embodiments, the method 1000may not include the analysis at 1040 and proceed from 1030 directly to1050. The method 1000 then proceeds to 1050.

At 1050, the remote management device provides the performance data touser devices (e.g., 190A-190B). The user devices can also be remote fromthe CCTU. The remote management device may provide the performance datato the user devices through a wired and/or a wireless connection.Providing the performance data to the user devices at 1050 can includestoring the performance data received from the climate controller in theremote management device at 1052 and then providing the performance datastored in the remote management device to the user devices at 1054, 1056and 1058. For example, the performance data is stored in the memory ofthe remote management device. As discussed above, the memory of theremote management device can be formed by a cloud server (e.g., thememory being a cloud data server). In such an embodiment, theperformance data stored at 1052 is stored in a cloud database.

Providing the performance data to the user devices at 1050 can alsoinclude the remote management device providing the performance data at afirst access level to a first user device 1054 (e.g., first user device190A), the remote management device providing the performance data at asecond access level to a second user device 1054 (e.g., second userdevice 190B), and remote management device providing the providing theperformance data at a third access level to a third user device 1054(e.g., third user device 190C). In an embodiment, providing theperformance data to a user device at 1054, 1056, and/or 1058 can be theremote management device allowing the respective user device to accessthe performance data stored in the memory of the remote managementdevice at the specific access level. For example, the access levelspecified for a user device can determine how much of the performancedata is accessible by said user device. The method 1000 then proceedsfrom 1050 to 1060.

At 1060, the remote management device transmits an operation instructionto the climate controller (e.g., operation instruction 184). Theoperation instruction can be transmitted from the remote managementdevice to the climate controller via the telematics unit. In anembodiment, the operation instruction can cause the climate controllerto modify one or more predetermined operation settings stored in itsmemory (e.g., predetermined operation settings stored in the memory115-1 for operating the CCU). For example, the operation instruction cancause a processor of the climate controller (e.g., processor 115-2 ofthe climate controller 114) to modify the operation setting(s) stored inthe memory for operating the climate control circuit. In an embodiment,the modification of the operation setting(s) can cause the climatecontroller to override an operating limit for the CCU. For example, theoperating limit can restrict operation of one of the components of theclimate control circuit. The operating instruction may cause the climatecontroller to ignore a predetermined shutdown parameter for operatingthe compressor of the CCU.

In an embodiment, the operation instruction is transmitted based onoperational input provided from a dispatcher's user device (e.g., userdevice 190C) at 1062. The operational input can include, for example,cargo value information and/or a request from the dispatcher's userdevice. For example, transmitting the operating instruction at 1060 caninclude the user device providing cargo value information for the CCTUto the remote management device 1062. For example, transmitting theoperation instruction at 1060 can include the user device providing arequest to remotely adjust the operational setting(s) for the CCU. In anembodiment, the load value information may include cargo valueinformation as described above, and the method at 1060 can include thedetermining whether to transmit the operational instruction based on thecargo value information. The method 1000 can then proceed to 1070.

At 1070, the performance data is displayed to the user(s). For example,the performance data provided to the user devices at 1050 is displayedto the user(s). A screen of each user device can visually display theuser data to its user. For example, displaying the performance data at1070 can include a first user display (e.g., first user device 190A)visually displaying the user data provided at 1054 to an engineer of theTCCS 130, a second user device (e.g., second user device 190B) visuallydisplaying the performance data provided at 1056 to a technician thatservices the TCCS 130, and/or a third user device (e.g., third userdevice 190C) displaying the performance data provided at 1058 to andispatcher that is directing operation of the CCTU to transport goods.

In an embodiment, analysis of the performance data at 1040 (including1042 and 1044) can be performed by one of the user devices (e.g., thedispatcher's user device 190C, etc.). For example, 1070 may include theanalysis of the performance data at 1040. In such an embodiment, thehistorical data may be stored on said user device (e.g., a memory of thedispatcher's user device 190C) or a local server connected to said userdevice (e.g., memory of a local server connected to the dispatcher'suser device). When the analysis by the user device determines there is arefrigerant leak based on the performance data, the user device can senda refrigerant leak warning to the remote management device which thenrelays the refrigerant leak warning to the climate controller of theTCCS.

In some embodiments, the features of method 1000 may occur in adifferent order and/or concurrently than shown in the embodiment of FIG.3. For example, the analyzing the performance data at 1040 may occurafter or concurrently with providing the performance data to the userdevice(s) at 1050. For example, the display the performance data at 1070may occur before transmitting the operation instruction at 1060.

It should be appreciated that the method 1000 may be modified toincorporate features as discussed above for the remote management system100. For example, operating the CCU at 1010 in an embodiment can includethe climate controller being configured to implement one or more ofrefrigerant leak protection systems as discussed above (e.g., the sealedcompressor protection system, the charge isolation system, the airmanagement system, etc.).

ASPECTS

Any of aspects 1-14 can be combined with any of aspects 15-22, and anyof aspects 15-17 can be combined with any of aspects 18-22.

Aspect 1. A method of remotely managing a transport climate controlsystem (TCCS) of a climate controlled transport unit, the TCCS includesa climate control circuit for conditioning a climate controlled space ofthe climate controlled transport unit, the method comprising: a remotemanagement device receiving performance data for the climate controlcircuit from a climate controller of the TCCS, the performance datagenerated by the climate controller based on one or more detectedoperating parameters of the climate control circuit, the remotemanagement device being remote from the climate controlled transportunit; and providing, via the remote management device, the performancedata to a plurality of user devices.Aspect 2. The method of Aspect 1, wherein the remote management deviceincludes a remote server.Aspect 3. The method of any one of Aspects 1 and 2, further comprising:comparing, with the remote management device, the performance data forthe climate control circuit to historical performance data for theclimate control circuit; and generating a refrigerant leak warning basedon the comparison of the performance data and the historical performancedata.Aspect 4. The method of any one of Aspects 1-3, further comprising: theremote management device transmitting the refrigerant leak warning tothe climate controller via the telematics unit.Aspect 5. The method of any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the performancedata includes one or more of: refrigerant superheat, refrigerantsubcooling, a temperature of working fluid in the climate controlcircuit, a pressure of the working fluid, status of an isolation valvein the climate control circuit, amperage to a compressor in the climatecontrol circuit, a valve position of an expansion value in the climatecontrol circuit, a status of a refrigerant leak protection system of theclimate control circuit.Aspect 6. The method of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the one or moreoperating parameters of the climate control circuit include one or moreof: a temperature of working fluid in the climate control circuit,status of an isolation valve in the climate control circuit, amperage toa compressor in the climate control circuit, a pressure of the workingfluid, and a valve position of an expansion valve in the climate controlcircuit.Aspect 7. The method of any one of Aspects 1-6, further comprising: theremote management device transmitting an operating instruction to theclimate controller via the telematics unit, the operating instructionmodifying a predetermined operation setting of the climate controllerfor operating the climate control circuits.Aspect 8. The method of Aspect 7, wherein the predetermined operationsetting is stored in a memory of the climate controller, the operatinginstruction causing the climate controller to override the predeterminedoperation setting.Aspect 9. The method of any one of Aspects 7 and 8, wherein theoperation instruction causes the climate controller to override apredetermined operating limit for the climate control circuit.Aspect 10. The method of any one of Aspects 9, wherein climatecontroller overrides the predetermined operating limit by adjusting orignoring the predetermined operating limit.Aspect 11. The method of any one of Aspects 7-10, wherein the operatinginstruction causes the climate controller to ignore a predeterminedshutdown parameter for operating a compressor of the climate controlcircuit.Aspect 12. The method of any one of Aspects 7-11, wherein the pluralityof user devices includes a first user device, the method furthercomprising: the first user device providing operation input for the CCTUto the remote management device, the operation input causing the remotemanagement device to perform the transmitting of the operatinginstruction.Aspect 13. The method of any one of Aspects 7-12, wherein the operationinput is goods values information for the CCTU; and the remotemanagement device generating the operating instructions based on thegoods information.Aspect 14. The method of any one of Aspects 7-12, further comprising:storing the performance data in a memory of the remote monitoringdevice, wherein the plurality of user devices includes a first userdevice and a second user device, and the providing of the performancedata to the plurality of user devices includes: providing the first userdevice with the performance data stored on the remote management deviceat a first access level, and providing the second user device with theperformance data stored in the remote management device at a secondaccess level, the second access level limiting access to the performancedata relative to the first access level.Aspect 15. A remote management system for a transport climate controlsystem (TCCS) of a climate controlled transport unit, the TCCS includinga climate control circuit for conditioning an internal space of therefrigerated transport unit, the remote management system comprising:

-   -   a remote management device configured to receive performance        data for the climate control circuit from a climate controller        of the TCCS, the remote management device being remote from the        climate controlled transport unit, the performance data based on        one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control        circuit, and the remote management device configured to provide        the performance data to a plurality of user devices.        Aspect 16. The remote management system of Aspect 15, wherein        the remote management device is configured to transmit an        operating instruction to the climate controller, the operating        instruction causing the climate controller to modify a        predetermined operation setting of the climate controller for        operating the climate control circuit.        Aspect 17. The remote management system of any one of Aspects 15        and 16, wherein the operation instruction causes the climate        controller to override a predetermined operating limit for the        climate control circuit.        Aspect 18. A transport climate control system (TCCS) for a        climate controlled transport unit, comprising: a climate control        circuit configured to climate condition an internal space of the        refrigerated transport unit; a climate controller connected to a        telematics unit, the climate controller configured to: control        operation of the climate control circuit, detect one or more        operating parameters of the climate control circuit, generate        performance data for the climate control circuit based on the        one or more operating parameters of the climate control circuit,        and transmit performance data to a remote monitoring device,        that is remote from the climate controlled transport unit, via        the telematics unit, wherein the climate controller is        configured to receive, via the telematics unit, an operating        instruction from the remote monitoring device, the operating        instruction modifying a predetermined operation setting of the        climate controller for operating the TCCS.        Aspect 19. The TCCS of Aspect 18, wherein the remote monitoring        system includes a remote server.        Aspect 20. The TCCS of any one of Aspects 18 and 19, wherein the        performance data includes one or more of: refrigerant superheat,        refrigerant subcooling, a temperature of working fluid in the        climate control circuit, a pressure of the working fluid, status        of an isolation valve in the climate control circuit, amperage        to a compressor in the climate control circuit, a valve position        of an expansion valve in the climate control circuit, a status        of a refrigerant leak protection system for the climate control        circuit.        Aspect 21. The TCCS of any one of Aspects 18-20, wherein the one        or more operating parameters of the climate control circuit        include one or more of: a temperature of working fluid in the        climate control circuit, a pressure of the working fluid, status        of an isolation valve in the climate control circuit, amperage        to a compressor in the climate control circuit, and a valve        position of an expansion valve in the climate control circuit.        Aspect 22. The TCCS of any one of Aspects 18-21, wherein the        operation instruction causes the climate controller to override        a predetermined operating limit of the climate controller for        operating the climate control circuit.        Aspect 23. The TCCS of any one of Aspects 18-22, wherein the        operating instruction includes a refrigerant leak warning.

The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the inventionis indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription; and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of remotely managing a transport climatecontrol system (TCCS) of a climate controlled transport unit, the TCCSincludes a climate control circuit for conditioning a climate controlledspace of the climate controlled transport unit, the method comprising: aremote management device receiving performance data for the climatecontrol circuit from a climate controller of the TCCS, the performancedata generated by the climate controller based on one or more detectedoperating parameters of the climate control circuit, the remotemanagement device being remote from the climate controlled transportunit; and providing, via the remote management device, the performancedata to a plurality of user devices.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe remote management device includes a remote server.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: comparing, with the remote managementdevice, the performance data for the climate control circuit tohistorical performance data for the climate control circuit; andgenerating a refrigerant leak warning based on the comparison of theperformance data and the historical performance data.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising: the remote management device transmittingthe refrigerant leak warning to the climate controller via thetelematics unit.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the performance dataincludes one or more of: refrigerant superheat, refrigerant subcooling,a temperature of working fluid in the climate control circuit, apressure of the working fluid, status of an isolation valve in theclimate control circuit, amperage to a compressor in the climate controlcircuit, a valve position of an expansion valve in the climate controlcircuit, a status of a refrigerant leak protection system of the climatecontrol circuit.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or moreoperating parameters of the climate control circuit include one or moreof: a temperature of working fluid in the climate control circuit, apressure of the working fluid, status of an isolation valve in theclimate control circuit, amperage to a compressor in the climate controlcircuit, and a valve position of an expansion valve in the climatecontrol circuit.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: theremote management device transmitting an operating instruction to theclimate controller via the telematics unit, the operating instructionmodifying a predetermined operation setting of the climate controllerfor operating the climate control circuit.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the operation instruction causes the climate controller tooverride a predetermined operating limit for the climate controlcircuit.
 9. The method of claim 8, where climate controller overridesthe predetermined operating limit by adjusting or ignoring thepredetermined operating limit.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein theoperating instruction causes the climate controller to ignore apredetermined shutdown parameter for operating a compressor of theclimate control circuit.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein theplurality of user devices includes a first user device, the methodfurther comprising: the first user device providing operation input forthe CCTU to the remote management device, the operation input causingthe remote management device to perform the transmitting of theoperating instruction.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the operationinput is cargo value information for the CCTU; and the remote managementdevice generating the operating instructions based on the goodsinformation.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing theperformance data in a memory of the climate controller, wherein theplurality of user devices includes a first user device and a second userdevice, and the providing of the performance data to the plurality ofuser devices includes: providing the first user device with theperformance data stored on the remote management device at a firstaccess level, and providing the second user device with the performancedata stored in the remote management device at a second access level,the second access level limiting access to the performance data relativeto the first access level.
 14. A remote management system for atransport climate control system (TCCS) of a climate controlledtransport unit, the TCCS including a climate control circuit forconditioning an internal space of the refrigerated transport unit, theremote management system comprising: a remote management deviceconfigured to receive performance data for the climate control circuitfrom a climate controller of the TCCS, the remote management devicebeing remote from the climate controlled transport unit, the performancedata based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climatecontrol circuit, and the remote management device configured to providethe performance data to a plurality of user devices.
 15. The remotemanagement system of claim 14, wherein the remote management device isconfigured to transmit an operating instruction to the climatecontroller, the operating instruction causing the climate controller tomodify a predetermined operation setting of the climate controller foroperating the climate control circuit.
 16. The remote management systemof claim 15, wherein the operation instruction causes the climatecontroller to override a predetermined operating limit for the climatecontrol circuit.
 17. A transport climate control system (TCCS) for aclimate controlled transport unit, comprising: a climate control circuitconfigured to climate condition an internal space of the refrigeratedtransport unit; a climate controller connected to a telematics unit, theclimate controller configured to: control operation of the climatecontrol circuit, detect one or more operating parameters of the climatecontrol circuit, generate performance data for the climate controlcircuit based on the one or more operating parameters of the climatecontrol circuit, and transmit performance data to a remote monitoringdevice, that is remote from the climate controlled transport unit, viathe telematics unit, wherein the climate controller is configured toreceive, via the telematics unit, an operating instruction from theremote monitoring device, the operating instruction modifying apredetermined operation setting of the climate controller for operatingthe TCCS.
 18. The TCCS of claim 17, wherein the remote monitoring systemincludes a remote server.
 19. The TCCS of claim 17, wherein theperformance data includes one or more of: refrigerant superheat,refrigerant subcooling, a temperature of working fluid in the climatecontrol circuit, a pressure of the working fluid, status of an isolationvalve in the climate control circuit, amperage to a compressor in theclimate control circuit, a valve position of an expansion valve in theclimate control circuit, and a status of a refrigerant leak protectionsystem for the climate control circuit.
 20. The TCCS of claim 17,wherein the operation instruction causes the climate controller tooverride a predetermined operating limit of the climate controller foroperating the climate control circuit.